India's predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I against New Zealand

Middle Order - Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (WK) and Kedar Jadhav

MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav

Shubman Gill is likely to miss out for the 1st T20I as he might me replaced by Rishabh Pant. Pant was excellent in the India A series against England Lions and must be given a chance in the shortest format of the game where he's most destructive.

Shubman Gill is certainly a talented player but his debut seems to be a bit ill-timed and playing Pant at no.3 can do India some good, though it's a risky move. Also playing Pant at no.3 will force him to curb the aggression right from the start and to go big after settling in.

MS Dhoni, after a great ODI series in Australia showed signs of his former brilliance in New Zealand as well. He missed the 3rd and 4th ODIs due to injury and was ripped up by a Trent Boult beauty in the 5th ODI.

Many people have been calling for Dhoni's exit from T20I cricket but his performance in the 2nd ODI clearly showed that the old war horse has got a lot of steam left in him. With no Virat Kohli, Dhoni will be a real asset and will certainly assist Rohit with the captaincy besides providing a solid middle order option.

Kedar Jadhav last played a T20I game for India in October 2017 and though his performances in ODIs have called for a T20I return, he hasn't got the chance yet and this series against New Zealand might just be it.

Jadhav picked up key wickets and was economical with the ball while scoring vital runs whenever he was called upon to bat. In the last two ODI series against Australia and New Zealand, Jadhav has struck the ball very well and his strike rate is excellent. He provides immense value and is a great utility player who deserves to play this match.